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How they managed it

The numbers are impressive (Image: iStockphoto)

After years of being held back by rising house prices, rents and stagnant wages, 2018 saw a breakthrough.

"Various factors have helped to alleviate this challenging environment, although the market is still pretty tough for those wanting to become homeowners," Nitesh Patel, Yorkshire Building Society's strategic economist, said.

"The figures indicate that Government initiatives such as stamp duty relief, Help to Buy equity loans and help to buy ISAs may have made an impact.

"Over the past three or four years, we've also seen more mortgage lenders offering 95% loan-to-value mortgages, as well as strong competition driving mortgage rates down."

But that doesn't mean it's simple.

"Getting on to the housing ladder is still not an easy step for many young people, as demonstrated by the increasing numbers who have received help from the bank of mum and dad," he added.

"Despite these challenges, the first-time buyer market has bounced back following the financial crisis to outperform other sectors, such as the home-moving and buy-to-let markets.

"Buying your first home remains tough for many but it's encouraging to see first-time buyer levels at a 12-year high and climbing."